Sporty diesel Golf unveiled

New GTD Golf will have 135kW and 380Nm of torque, will reach 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

February 22 2013

Greg Kable

New Volkswagen Golf GTD.

New Volkswagen Golf GTD.

New Volkswagen Golf GTD.

New Volkswagen Golf GTD.

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The broadening of Volkswagen’s seventh generation Golf line-up continues apace with the unveiling of the overtly sporty GTD ahead of its planned public premiere at the Geneva motor show.

The top-of-the-line Golf diesel runs Volkswagen’s new EA288 engine. The transversely mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail unit delivers 135kW at 3500rpm and 380Nm of torque on a band of revs between 1750 and 3250rpm.

This represents a subtle 10kW and 30Nm increase on its predecessor, which ran an older oilburner of the same capacity.

Among the changes incorporated on the new engine are new lightweight pistons and valve gear aimed at lowering frictional losses and improving thermal properties, a heavily reworked exhaust and lower compression ratio (15.8:1 versus 16.5:1).

Drive continues to be channeled through a standard six-speed manual gearbox to the front wheels, with a six-speed dual-shift unit available as optional equipment.

Volkswagen claims the new 1302kg Golf GTD reaches 100km/h from standstill in 7.5sec on the way to a top speed of 230km/h in six-speed manual guise. By comparison, the old sixth-generation Golf based model possessed figures of 8.1sec and 222km/h respectively.

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Combined cycle fuel consumption is put at 4.2L/100km, giving the new performance diesel average CO2 emissions of 109g/km. The previous Golf GTD was rated at 5.3L/100km and 139g/km.

The new GTD is distinguished from other standard seventh-generation Golf models by a series of mild styling tweaks, some of which are shared with the new GTi. Included are re-profiled bumpers, wider sills under the doors, more prominent spoiler above the tailgate a diffuser element at the rear, chromed tailpipe and standard 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/45 profile rubber. It also rides on a sports suspension.

Inside, the most powerful diesel powered Golf to reach series production receives sport seats, a black headlining, sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and foot rest as well as various GTD themed trims.